Federal Prosecutors Seek Dismissal of Charges in ICE Minnesota Incident
Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have filed a motion to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, including one who was shot by an immigration officer, citing newly discovered evidence that undermines the government's initial allegations. The case, stemming from a 14 January incident in Minnesota, has drawn attention amid ongoing scrutiny of ICE operations and use of force.
New Evidence Contradicts Government's Account
In a filing on Thursday, the U.S. attorney's office for the district of Minnesota stated that the evidence in the criminal case against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis is "materially inconsistent" with the allegations made in a criminal complaint and a court hearing last month. The motion requests "dismissal with prejudice," meaning the charges cannot be resubmitted, highlighting significant flaws in the prosecution's narrative.
The incident began when ICE officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aljorna, who allegedly crashed and fled on foot. According to the initial complaint, an ICE officer chased Aljorna, and during a struggle, Sosa-Celis and another man emerged from a nearby apartment, attacking the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The officer then fired his handgun, striking Sosa-Celis in the thigh.
Discrepancies Emerge in Court Testimony
During a 21 January court hearing, cracks appeared in the government's case as the ICE officer's account diverged from testimony by the defendants and three other witnesses. Video evidence and witness statements failed to corroborate the officer's claim of being assaulted with a broom or shovel, or that a third person was involved. Attorneys for the men argued that the prosecution's case relied solely on the testimony of the officer who fired the gun.
Aljorna's attorney, Frederick Goetz, stated that Aljorna had a broomstick but threw it at the agent while running, while Sosa-Celis' attorney, Robin Wolpert, said Sosa-Celis was holding a shovel but retreating when shot. Both men, who had no violent criminal records and worked as DoorDash drivers to avoid federal agents, denied the assault allegations.
Aftermath and Broader Implications
After the shooting, Aljorna and Sosa-Celis barricaded themselves in a nearby home with their families, leading federal officers to use teargas in an attempt to force them out. Concerned for the safety of two children under two years old inside, the men surrendered to authorities. This case adds to a series of high-profile incidents where evidence has challenged justifications for deadly force by federal immigration agents, raising questions about accountability and enforcement practices.
